THE RNLI has proved that age is no barrier – after recruiting a number of over-50s from the surfing community to patrol Jersey’s beaches this summer.
Following a shortage of experienced lifeguards following the pandemic, the charity ran a recruitment campaign encouraging older Islanders to join the life-saving team.
And anyone else – old or young – who is keen to join the beach lifeguards is invited to attend open days next month.
Jake Elms, RNLI lead lifeguard supervisor in Jersey, said: ‘We lost a lot of our experienced lifeguards after the pandemic, so last year we actively recruited veteran surfers who had grown up on the beach and this led to an intake of older lifeguards.
‘It gives them the opportunity to keep fit, use their surf knowledge and gain casualty care training.
‘They help coach the less experienced lifeguards and bring a lot of life experience which can be useful for dealing with anti-social behaviour on the beach or in a trauma care situation.’
One of the new members, 53-year-old Digby Ellis-Brecknell, whose son already works for the RNLI, said: ‘My son enjoyed his role last year and I spent so much time in the sea, either spear fishing or open-water swimming or surfing, that I thought it was about time I spent some time helping other people, protecting the environment I like, and giving something back in that ocean environment.’
He added: ‘I think as an older lifeguard, you certainly bring one thing, and that’s life experience. In certain situations, you can step back a little bit, take your time, and think through a situation before rushing in.
‘And that’s just life experience.’
Fellow new recruit Michael Charlton (54) said the veterans were ‘pretty fit for older guys’ and can give the ‘youngsters a run for their money’.
The lifeguard open days will be held from 11am on 2 and 9 September at El Tico in St Ouen’s Bay.
For further information visit the Jersey RNLI Lifeguard Instagram page or email JerseySC@rnli.org.uk.
